Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I, too, wish to acknowledge our brave men and women in green here in the gallery today. It’s quite overwhelming to see them all. Thank you for coming.

Mr. Speaker, every day the Department of Education, Culture and Employment and the Department of Industry, Tourism and Investment contribute to individual artists and groups of artists through grants issued by the NWT Arts Council. In 2005-2006 there were 124 applications for grants totalling almost $1.2 million, of which the NWT Arts Council was able to fund 84 projects totalling $355,000. In the last update on the NWT Arts Strategy from last March, the Government of the Northwest Territories stated that it believes a collaborative, holistic approach is needed to support and develop a vibrant arts sector.

There are many examples of this type of approach and the government’s support of venues like Folk on the Rocks, Festival of the Midnight Sun, End of the Road Music Festival, and the South Slave Music Festival is certainly to be commended, Mr. Speaker. They are fine examples of government doing something.

However, Mr. Speaker, even though artists from all other parts of the Territories appear there or have their work shown at these venues and festivals, there is a way to help benchmark and show what we could do and could do better and help support it. I believe this government could do better. I believe this government could do more. I believe it’s time this government realizes that we need a government-sponsored festival or venue on an annual or semi-annual basis that we could help showcase these artists from across our territory, Mr. Speaker.

Artists from the performing arts, visual and traditional arts need the opportunity to network with their peers and receive feedback from a large audience at an arts festival or awards night. I see this festival as a collaboration and a celebration of arts, Mr. Speaker, with the recognition given to artists who excel or show promise in their particular area.

Mr. Speaker, I believe it’s time to discuss ideas that the Department of Education take the lead in establishing an NWT annual arts achievement award night to celebrate and enhance the arts sector of the Northwest Territories. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I will have questions for the Minister of Education on seeing what he can do to take the next step to help celebrate our arts community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.